Vacation-week activities on tap at Fairfield Museum

Phyllis A.S. Boros, Connecticut Post

Phyllis A.S. Boros, Staff Writer

Published 6:16 pm, Tuesday, December 20, 2011

During holiday vacation week, the Fairfield Museum and History Center will offer several activities for children and their parents in conjunction with its current exhibit, Holiday Express Train Show.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Although the goals may change slightly from program to program, one thing remains constant about the Fairfield Museum and History Center's line-up of vacation-week activities: to provide quality time for parents and their children.

"Drop-in activities are certainly meant to encourage parents and children to create something together, to encourage quality time," said Christine Jewell, director of education and community programs.

Each program is developed with specific goals depending on the target age of the participants, she said, but added that most are meant to combine fun with learning. And to throw in a "little history" along the way.

The museum focuses on the history and culture of Fairfield and surrounding communities, and all activities are open to the public.

"Programs are a way to delve into a theme and to explore a subject through hands-on activities," Jewell said.

The museum pointed out that this "eye-popping holiday display" features "model trains winding around a spectacularly decorated tree and through beautiful holiday scenery." A tiny camera is perched upon one train, offering visitors a rather unique view of the tracks.

Made possible by the Fairfield-based Housatonic Model Railroad Club and the Connecticut G-Scalers Club, the train display is scheduled to operate 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23; from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 24 and 31, and Monday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 30.

Also on view is a mini-exhibit, "Holiday Express, Station to Station," that celebrates the history of train travel between New York and Connecticut -- in honor of the opening of the new Fairfield Metro Station.

The exhibit is filled with memorabilia and photographs, according to Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, director of exhibitions and programs.

-- Terrific Trains on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. to noon, for kids between 6 and 10 years of age, will provide the opportunity to build a wooden model train with billowing steam, bells and baubles. $5.

-- Puppet Plays on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon, for 6 to 10 years of age. Participants will create hand puppets from colorful felt. Students also learn about set design in "Bravo!" (an exhibit on the history of theater in the region, on view through March 18) and decorate a tabletop puppet theater. $5.

-- Model Steam Train, on Thursday, Dec. 29, and Friday, Dec. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Collector Harvey Campbell will present a program for train buffs of all ages -- rigging model trains that use actual steam. Included with admission.